J. Microbiol. Infect. Dis., (2024), Vol. 14(4): 141–142

Letter to the Editor

10.5455/JMID.20241114122017

The crying necessity of public awareness regarding MPOX: an assessment of mass people in Bangladesh

Hemayet Hossain¹, Md. Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury², Md. Mahfujur Rahman^2*

¹Department of Anatomy and Histology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

²Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

*Corresponding Author: Md. Mahfujur Rahman, Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh Email: mahfuj.vetmed [at] sau.ac.bd

Submitted: 14/11/2024 Accepted: 18/11/2024 Published: 31/12/2024

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I am writing this letter to the editor to report on MPOX, an infectious disease that poses a serious threat to public health in Bangladesh. This densely populated nation, with a diverse socio-economic landscape, has faced numerous health crises in recent years, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic underscored the population’s vulnerability to infectious diseases, revealing significant gaps in public health preparedness and awareness.

As the global health community now grapples with another emerging health threat, monkeypox (MPOX), it is critical to evaluate and enhance public awareness in Bangladesh (Assessing preparedness for Mpox, 2024; Bangladesh’s preparedness for Mpox, 2024). Recent survey findings highlight alarming deficiencies in knowledge regarding MPOX, signifying an urgent call for comprehensive public health education initiatives. Our recent survey, conducted with 1,178 individuals across various demographics, unveiled startling statistics that point to a pervasive lack of awareness regarding MPOX.

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SURVEY FINDINGS

A total of 68% of respondents had never heard of MPOX.

A total of 81% were unaware of any symptoms and transmission routes associated with the disease.

These figures are not merely the numbers; they represent a significant risk factor for the potential spread of MPOX in a country where urban density can facilitate rapid transmission of infectious diseases. The absence of basic knowledge regarding the disease’s symptoms, transmission modes, and preventive measures can lead to delays in seeking treatment and, ultimately, to increased morbidity and mortality.

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IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC AWARENESS

Public awareness serves as a critical foundation for effective disease prevention and control. In a densely populated country like Bangladesh, the dynamics of disease transmission can be exacerbated by ignorance and misinformation. Awareness campaigns can empower individuals to recognize symptoms early, seek timely medical intervention, and adopt preventive measures, thereby mitigating the risk of widespread outbreaks.

Moreover, the lack of awareness not only threatens individual health but also places an undue burden on the healthcare system. In a context where healthcare resources are already stretched thin, early detection and informed community responses become essential for controlling the spread of infectious diseases like MPOX (WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency, 2024; Mpox 2024). The interconnectedness of global health underscores the need for proactive measures; an outbreak in Bangladesh could have implications far beyond its borders (WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency, 2024).

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RECOMMENDATIONS

To address the glaring deficiencies in public awareness regarding MPOX, we propose several actionable recommendations that can be implemented across various sectors:

Mass media campaigns

Utilizing multiple platforms television, radio, and social media will ensure the dissemination of vital information about MPOX reaches a broad audience. Campaigns should be designed to be culturally sensitive, using language and imagery that resonates with the local population. Engaging storytelling methods can be particularly effective in illustrating the human impact of the disease and the importance of preventive measures (Assessing preparedness for Mpox, 2024).

Community engagement

Collaborating with local leaders, religious institutions, and community organizations is essential for grassroots outreach. These entities often hold significant influence within their communities and can serve as trusted sources of information. Workshops, seminars, and community health fairs can provide forums for dialogue and education, fostering a collective understanding of MPOX.

Healthcare worker training

Healthcare workers are on the front lines of disease prevention and response. It is crucial that they are equipped with comprehensive knowledge about MPOX, including its symptoms, transmission methods, and treatment options. Regular training sessions, alongside updates on emerging research, can empower healthcare professionals to act as effective educators within their communities.

School programs

Integrating information about MPOX into school curricula can create a foundation of knowledge among the younger population. Educating children not only empowers them but also enables them to serve as conduits of information within their families. Interactive programs, including workshops and educational materials, can engage students and foster a culture of health awareness from an early age.

Government initiatives

The role of government cannot be overstated in the fight against infectious diseases. A strategic approach to public health education must be prioritized, with allocated resources for sustained awareness campaigns. Government partnerships with NGOs, international organizations, and local stakeholders can amplify efforts and create a unified response to MPOX.

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CONCLUSION

The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the critical importance of preparedness and public awareness in managing health crises. As Bangladesh faces the threat of MPOX, the time for action is now. Our survey underscores the urgent need for comprehensive awareness campaigns that target the masses, filling the gaps in knowledge that currently exist. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that incorporates mass media, community engagement, healthcare worker training, school programs, and robust government initiatives, we can safeguard the health of our nation against this emerging threat. Ultimately, investing in public awareness is not merely an act of education; it is a commitment to protecting the well-being of the population and ensuring that Bangladesh is better equipped to respond to the challenges of infectious diseases in the future. The responsibility lies with all stakeholder’s government, healthcare providers, community leaders, and citizens to come together in this essential endeavor. By doing so, we can pave the way for a healthier, more informed Bangladesh, capable of confronting and overcoming the challenges posed by MPOX and other emerging health threats.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who took the time to participate in our survey. The willingness of the participants to share their thoughts and experiences was invaluable to our research and has significantly enriched our understanding of the subject. Each response contributed not only to the depth of our findings but also highlighted the diverse perspectives that are essential in our field. We appreciate their unreserved participation and commitment, which made this study possible.

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REFERENCES

Assessing preparedness for Mpox—dhakatribune.com. https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/355235/assessing- preparedness -for-mpox. Accessed on 19 August 2024

Bangladesh’s preparedness for Mpox: challenges and opportunities. https://www.thedailystar.net/health/healthcare/news/bangladeshs-preparedness-mpox-challenges-and-opportunities-3691266. Accessed on 1 September 2024.

WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency.... https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024- who-director- general-declares-mpox- outbreak-a- public-health- emergency-of- international-concern. Accessed on 8 August 2024

Mpox—African Region—World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON528. Accessed on 22 August 2024